Sermon Quick Summary

God is faithful to help us take back our joy, our peace, even our clarity of mind that was stolen. Last week we began a new series called “Journey to Healing” by experiencing Jesus’ presence with Imaginative Prayer spiritual practice. Experiencing Jesus in Imaginative Prayer that heals our minds is beautifully captured in hymns of prayer, praise and worship. In this message, we see a man who wasn’t just hurting, but his mind was in turmoil. Jesus then stepped into the scene. Let’s read Luke 8:26-36 and witness how healing of the mind is found in Jesus’ presence. Imagine you are there witnessing it all. In Luke 8:26-36, a demon possessed man with a tormented mind met Jesus. In verses 35b and 36 we get to a beautiful highlight in this passage, “He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 36Then those who had seen what happened told the others how the demon-possessed man had been healed.” Jesus still heals our minds. We feel tormented today in our minds when: Anxiety hijacks our thoughts. Depression dulls our joy and drains our energy. Obsessive rumination has us on a dizzying loop of worry, fear, or guilt. Mental fatigue clouds focus and motivation. Inner narratives lie to us about who we are and what we’re worth. We need to debunk lies and tell the truth: (1) there is no shame in mental struggle; (2) there is no shame in getting help; (3) therapy is not a lack of faith; (4) medication is not weakness; (5) naming your pain does not mean you are a failure. Mental strain is everywhere. Jesus cares about our minds and offers healing peace. Scripture shows us about how God tends to and heals the minds of those who walk with Jesus. God cares about our minds. Throughout Scripture, we see God’s heart to bring peace and healing to our minds. You are invited to an Imaginative Prayer healing journey. That same Jesus who met you in your Imaginative Prayer, calm, close, full of care is the same Jesus who invites followers of Christ to His Communion Table. When Jesus appeared to His disciples after the resurrection, His first words and gift to them was peace for their and our minds.